Construction work at the site at Craggan had been due to start in early 2020 but was delayed until the summer because of COVID-19 crisis restrictions.

Having appointed Morrison Construction as the main contractor for the project, Forsyths, of Rothes, has been awarded the contract to supply and install the distilling equipment.

Ewen Mackintosh, G&M managing director, told The Press and Journal: “Our products may be sold all over the world, but our headquarters remain in the north of Scotland and we appreciate the importance of supporting communities and boosting the local economy.

“We’ve been very impressed by our main contractor, Morrison Construction, who have been very supportive of our wish to procure as much as possible locally.”

When the distillery opens next year, it is expected to become a “significant local employer” with the capacity to produce around 440,000 gallons of whisky a year.